Pacquaio knocks down Algieri six times, retains belt

MANILA – Filipino boxing icon Manny Pacquaio showed his old self and defeated Chris Algieri last Sunday that led to six knockdowns and unanimous decision from the judges.

While the eight-time world champion missed a chance to knock out his opponent, his recent win prompted fans to ask whether the fight with Floyd Mayweather will come next.

“I want that fight. The public deserves that fight. It’s time to step up and say yes,” Pacquiao said referring to the much anticipated fight with Mayweather.

Pacquaio sent Algieri six times to the canvas, first during the second round, twice in the sixth and ninth, and once more during the 10th.

Pacquaio tried to go for the knockout, however Algieri showed more foot speed as he ran across the ring making it difficult for Pacquaio to catch him. He also refused to engage with Pacquaio.

The judges scored 119-103, 119-103, 120-102 all in favor of the boxing champion. This is the third straight victory for Pacquaio after suffering two losses in 2012, while Algieri received his first defeat in 21 fights.

“I did my best,” were the first words that came out of Pacquiao’s mouth after he was declared as the winner.

He added, “I’m satisfied with my performance tonight. I tried to knock him out. I did my best.”

When asked about his fight with Mayweather, his reply was, “He’s going to fight me? Yes! Yes! I want that fight.”

Meanwhile, Algieri said that Pacquaio used his weakness to his advantage.

“He found holes in my defense. It’s not just his hand speed. He’s a great fighter. He does everything well. He has perfected his style of fighting,” said Algieri.

He added, “I was never hurt. But he did catch me with a big shot. I think it was in the ninth round.”

Pacquaio’s head trainer Freddie Roach said that he was disappointed with Algieri given that the later did not engage with the Filipino boxer.

“I’m disappointed with Chris. He didn’t fight Manny the way he fought Ruslan (Provodnikov),” said Pacquiao’s chief trainer.

He added, “We went for the knockout. But the kid ran a little bit too much.”